April 16 - 30, 2016

These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 100.3 The Sound (KSWD) in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!

April 16, 2016

Foghat singer/guitarist "Lonesome Dave" Peverett would have been 73.Gerry Rafferty of Stealer's Wheel and "Baker Street" fame would have been 69.

On this day in 1947, the first zoom lens was demonstrated to the public. (Would Rock & Roll be the same without it?)

On this day in 1966, though it was banned by many American radio stations and the BBC for its "controversial" lyrics, Bob Dylan's classic "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" entered the singles charts on its way to #2.

On this day in 1972, the Electric Light Orchestra played their first live show. As Jeff Lynne told me, it was just barely so-so.

On this day in 1974, Queen played their first U.S. concert at Regis College in Denver. No one had a clue of what to make of them.

On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released "Dreams," which soon became their first #1 hit.

On this day in 1983, written by keyboardist Jonathan Caine and sung by Steve Perry, Journey's "Faithfully" began its climb to #12 and wedding receptions all across America.

On this day in 1988, after years of denial of his role in Led Zeppelin, frontman Robert Plant's "Tall Cool One" — co-written with keyboardist Phil Johnstone and featuring Led Zeppelin song samples and Jimmy Page on lead guitar — began its climb to #25 on the singles charts.

April 17, 2016

On this day in 1960, Rock & Roll pioneer Eddie Cochran was killed and Gene Vincent was seriously injured in a London car crash.

On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones released their debut album in the States and the Ford Motor Company unveiled the first Mustang. Fortunately, both are still with us.

On this day in 1972, Keith Richards became a father to a little girl when Anita Pallenberg gave birth to their daughter, Dandelion Angela Richards.

On this day in 1976, Queen's classic "Night At The Opera" topped out at #12 on the album charts with over three million sold.

On this day in 1976, The Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It To The Streets," written and sung by Michael McDonald, entered the singles charts on its way to #13.

On this day in 1982, Stevie Nicks' "Edge Of Seventeen" peaked at #11 as Van Halen's cover of "(Oh) Pretty Woman" topped out at #12 on the charts. On that same day, Toto released "Rosanna," which would soon spend five weeks at #2 on the singles charts and win the Record Of The Year GRAMMY Award.

On this day in 1998, Linda McCartney died of breast cancer at the age of 56.

On this day in 2004, "Honkin' On Bobo," Aerosmith's rippin' blues album, hit #5 on the charts.

On this day in 2008, keyboardist Danny Federici of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band lost his three-year battle with melanoma at the age of 58.

April 18, 2016

Paul Rothchild, revered producer of The Doors and Janis Joplin, would have been 81 today.Kelly Hanson, current Foreigner frontman, is 55.

On this day in 1970, Joe Cocker's cover of The Boxtops' "The Letter" began working its way up the charts to #7 as Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" peaked at #3 and Badfinger's "Come And Get It" topped out at #7. Each song was the artist's first Top 10 hit.

On this day in 1981, after recording 11 albums in 13 years, Yes announced they were splitting up. Within two years, they re-formed for the hugely successful "90125" album and tour.

On this day in 1981, after the huge worldwide success of their "Back In Black" album, AC/DC's U.S. record company finally released the Aussie's 1976 "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" album. It soon began a six-week run at #3.

On this day in 1981, Ozzy Osbourne's first solo album, "Blizzard Of Ozz," entered the charts on its way to #21 and over four million sold.

On this day in 1987, Whitesnake's seventh album, called "Whitesnake" in the U.S., began a climb to a 10-week run at #2 with over eight million sold.

On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton's "Crossroads" box set was released. Its overwhelming commercial and artistic success paved the way for many other artists' compilations — most of which were extremely inferior.

On this day in 1992, "Adrenalize," Def Leppard's follow-up to their 20-million-selling "Hysteria" album and the death of guitarist Steve Clark, began its rapid assent to a five-week run at #1.

On this day in 1992, in a very strange business move, Bruce Springsteen released his "Human Touch" and "Lucky Town" albums on the same day. Instead of scoring one great, multi-million selling LP, "Human Touch" reached #2 and "Lucky Town" #3.

On this day in 2012, Dick Clark died of a heart attack at the age of 82. In the earliest years that Rock & Roll was sweeping the nation, Dick developed his unique, fan-driven dance program, "American Bandstand," helping transform Rock & Roll into a cultural force. Famed as "America's oldest teenager," he eventually made himself into one of Hollywood's most successful entrepreneurs.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Monday 4/18/16

Axl's Many Summer Jobs

Looks like the rumors were true: AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust tour with Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose replacing longtime AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson, who was forced to stop touring because of the danger of losing his hearing. The AC/DC tour will resume May 7th in Portugal and will continue through June 12th in Denmark. After that, Axl will rejoin Guns N' Roses for their Summer stadium tour on June 23rd. The 10 U.S. AC/DC shows that were postponed by Johnson's sudden departure will also be rescheduled with Rose on vocals. Keep your fingers crossed it goes well!

Best Concert Ever

If it comes true, it will be the concert of the century! Six iconic mega stars who revolutionized popular music in the Sixties may be rocking in the Southern California desert the first weekend of October. Word is that people who stage the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival are planning the three-night event featuring Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters rocking the Empire Polo Field in Indio. The concerts will feature the artist's full stage productions, with full sets. Under the tentative plans, Dylan and The Stones would play on October 7th. Saturday October 8th will feature Young and McCartney. Sunday October 9th will see the unusual billing of The Who and Waters. So... how much do you think tickets will cost?

It was Hank Ketcham who said: "Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it, but don't swallow it."

It was Dave Barry who said: "Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."

It was Norman Vincent Peale who said: "Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that."

It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

April 19, 2016

On this day in 1968, John Lennon, George Harrison and their wives left the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India two weeks before their study was complete. Fellow Beatles Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney had actually split several days earlier.

On this day in 1969, Steppenwolf's "Rock Me" peaked at #10 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1974, guitarist Ron Wood played his first live show with The Rolling Stones.

On this day in 1975, Bad Company's second album, "Straight Shooter," began a quick run to #3 as John Lennon's "Rock 'N' Roll" collection of cover songs entered the charts on its way to #6.

On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin's "Trampled Under Foot" briefly entered the singles charts on its way to #34.

On this day in 1975, Elton John fired his longtime bassist, Dee Murray, and drummer, Nigel Olsson, the day before his album "Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy" was released. A few years later, after he cleared his head, Sir Diva rehired the boys.

On this day in 1980, Van Halen's third album, "Women & Children First," blasted onto the charts on its way to #6 and three million sold.

On this day in 1980, Brian Johnson replaced the late Bon Scott as AC/DC's lead singer. Within two weeks, the band was recording their classic "Back In Black" album.

On this day in 1980, the Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" peaked at #8 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1986, Bob Seger's "Like A Rock" album entered the charts on its way to a four-week run at #3 just as The Moody Blues' "Your Wildest Dreams" comeback album began its climb to #9.

On this day in 1986, less than three months after their first #1 single was released, Heart's "Nothin' At All" began its climb to #10.

On this day in 2012, Levon Helm, singer/drummer with The Band, died at age 71 after a 16-year fight with throat cancer.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Tuesday 4/19/16

All Hail Sir Elty!

While being a famous recording and touring artist, Elton John is also known for his tireless efforts to raise money for charity. And his work as a philanthropist has made him the top-ranked celebrity on the latest "The Sunday Times of London" Giving List, a survey of which wealthy U.K. residents are the most charitable. "The Times" estimated that Elton donated about $38 million to charities in the past year, the majority of it to his British and American Elton John AIDS Foundations. Others high on the Giving List include Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who raised $9.2 million for charity through a memorabilia auction in December, and Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor. Right so!

Retired Or Not Retired?

After finishing four of the five nights of his residency at the Budokan in Tokyo, Eric Clapton says he's still not sure if he is officially retired. With a new album, "I Still Do," next month, Slowhand said in his Japanese tour program, "I'm back again, although I'm not supposed to be. I'm actually officially retired, but I haven't really worked out what that means yet! So, while I'm figuring it out, I thought it would be great to come back and see all my friends in Tokyo." Right so! Now, how about a Forum gig right here?

Though Stubby Currence's use is the oldest for this quip, Mark Twain is usually credited for saying "Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option."

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

It was Woody Allen who said: "Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem."

It was Charlie Chaplin who said: "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long shot. To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it!"

April 20, 2016

Keyboardist Craig Frost, who worked with Grand Funk Railroad and Bob Seger, is 68.

On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles worked on the new John Lennon song "And Your Bird Can Sing" and the new George Harrison song "Taxman" during a 12-hour session at Abbey Road studios. They ended up redoing it a couple of days later with George Harrison and Paul McCartney playing dueling guitars.

On this day in 1968, Deep Purple played their first concert ever. Denmark was the place, and Deaf In Denmark was the legendary result.

On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney's classic "Band On The Run" began its run to #1 on the singles charts and a Pop Vocal Group GRAMMY Award.

On this day in 1974, Robin Trower's most successful album, "Bridge Of Sighs," entered the charts on its way to #7 as Deep Purple's "Burn" hit #9.

On this day in 1974, the Eagles' third album, "On The Border," began to climb its way to #17 with two million sold just as KISS' self-titled debut album entered the charts two months after its release. In short order, "KISS" peaked at #87.

On this day in 1985, Bryan Adams' "Heaven" entered the singles charts on its way to #28 a year-and-a-half after it had first appeared on his "Reckless" album.

On this day in 1991, Small Faces/Humble Pie singer/guitarist Steve Marriott died in a fire at his home in London. He was just 44.

April 22, 2016

On this day in 1969, The Who performed their rock opera "Tommy" live for the first time at a private concert in England. The invited audience was stunned (and that had nothing to do with the fact that it was 1969).

On this day in 1971, Pink Floyd premiered their song "Return Of The Son Of Nothing" in concert. By the time it was finally recorded and released a few months later, it had become the Floyd's classic "Echoes."

On this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" entered the U.S. singles charts on its way to #2 just as Genesis' "Follow You Follow Me" began a climb to #23. Seven years later, Genesis would be dominating the charts as Gerry Rafferty was living on a 16th century English farm.

On this day in 1978, in the midst of record company contractual issues, Heart's "Magazine" album — based on five unfinished demos — entered the charts on its way to #17.

On this day in 1990, Sammy Hagar opened his first Cabo Wabo Cantina restaurant and nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

On this day in 2013, Folk singer/guitarist Richie Havens died of a heart attack at the age of 72. It was Richie who — somewhat by default — launched Woodstock with his song "Freedom," an improvisation of the old spiritual "Motherless Child."

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Friday 4/22/16

Prince R.I.P.

Tragic news from Paisley Park, Prince's estate in Minneapolis. The 57-year-old legendary musician passed away yesterday morning. No cause of death has been released yet for the iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson. An autopsy will be conducted today.

Walsh Pulls Out

Imagine Joe Walsh's surprise when he found out that his July 17th Cleveland concert to benefit the families of American veterans was actually a launching event for the Republican National Convention! Having been told it was a "non partisan event," Joe wasn't happy to hear that his name was being used "to raise sponsorship dollars for convention-related purposes." Pulling out of the event as soon as possible, he said, "I cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way. I will look at doing a veteran related benefit concert later this year." Right so!

Brit Rich List

"The Sunday Times of London" will publish the latest edition of its annual Rich List this weekend and — as you would expect — they say that Sir Paul McCartney is the wealthiest music artist in the U.K. and Ireland. The former Beatles star and his wife, Nancy Shevell, have a combined fortune of about $1.1 billion. Shevell, a trucking heiress, contributes about $215 million to the couple's wealth. U2 is the next famous rock or pop artist on "The Sunday Times' 2016 Rich List." The Irish quartet is worth about $717 million, placing them at #3 on the list. Sir Elton John is fourth with a worth around $401 million. The Rolling Stones frontman, Sir Mick Jagger, rolls in at fifth with $337 million in the assets column. Jagger's band mate Keith Richards, with a fortune of $315 million, is tied for #6 with George Harrison's widow and son, Olivia and Dhani Harrison. Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who is valued at about $287 million, is eighth and former Police frontman Sting rounds out the Top 10 with about $265 million in his bank.

Dusty Down

Last Thursday, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill tripped while preparing to go on stage at the Lone Star Events Center in Lubbock. The fractured shoulder he suffered has forced the band to postpone their concert dates through May 7th. Dusty fell prior to a show in Lubbock, Texas. Dusty says, "My physicians told me that this type of injury is usually associated with contact sports... I'm not sure bass-playing qualifies as such, but they're doing their best to get me back in the game as soon as possible." The Top's next scheduled gig is a joint May 28th show with Jimmy Buffett in Frisco, Texas. Get well soon, Dusty!

It was David H. Comins who said: "I might repeat to myself slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound — if I could remember any of the damn things."

It was Frank Zappa who said: "Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid."

It was Mitch Ratcliffe who said: "Computers have enabled people to make more mistakes faster than almost any invention in history, with the possible exception of tequila and hand guns."

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "It's always the secure who are humble."

It was Maya Angelou who said: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you."

April 23, 2016

Singing legend Roy Orbison would have been 80.Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark would have been 56.

On this day in 1960, 19-year-old John Lennon and 17-year-old Paul McCartney performed together as the Nerk Twins in Caversham, England.

On this day in 1974, Bad Company became the first to sign with Led Zeppelin's "Swan Song" record label.

On this day in 1975, singer Pete Ham of Badfinger took his own life at the age of 27.

On this day in 1977, Bob Seger's classic "Mainstreet" entered the singles charts on its way to #24 just as Supertramp's "Even In The Quietest Moments" album began a climb to #16.

On this day in 1983, ZZ Top's rocking "Eliminator" album entered the charts on its way to #9 with over 10 million sold.

On this day in 1988, Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me" began a quick run up the singles charts to #2.

On this day in 1994, Pink Floyd's "The Division Bell" album began its first of four weeks at #1, eventually selling over three million copies.

April 24, 2016

On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" entered the singles charts on its way to #1. Much later, the world was shocked to find out that Paul McCartney — not George Harrison — had played the lead guitar.

On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" peaked at #6 on the U.S. singles charts as The Rolling Stones hit #5 with their "The Rolling Stones, Now!" album.

On this day in 1971, as the band was coming apart behind the scenes, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's double live album "4-Way Street" entered the charts on its way to #1.

On this day in 1976, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles charts as The Rolling Stones' "Fool To Cry" began its climb to #10.

On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney's "Wings At The Speed Of Sound" album began its first of seven weeks at #1 just as Led Zeppelin's "Presence" entered the album charts on its way to two weeks at #1 with over three million sold.

On this day in 1982, John Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good" entered the singles charts on its way to four weeks at #2 and a Rock Male Vocal GRAMMY Award.

April 25, 2016

Blues legend Albert King would have been 93.
Bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 71.Steve Ferrone, drummer with the Average White Band and Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, is 66.

On this day in 1964, as "The Beatles' Second Album" — compiled from four different U.K. releases — was heading towards a five-week run at #1, the Fab Four had 14 singles on the American charts!

On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Up Around The Bend" entered the singles charts on its way to #4.

On this day in 1974, Pamela Morrison, the common law wife of the late Jim Morrison, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27.

On this day in 1974, Gregg Allman performed the last date of a solo concert and to reassure fans that the Allman Brothers Band wasn't breaking up, he brought the whole group onstage for an encore. They finished playing the encore 90 minutes later!

On this day in 1981, The Who's "Face Dances" album — their first without legendary drummer Keith Moon — hit #1 in the States.

On this day in 1987, U2's "The Joshua Tree" album began the first of nine weeks at #1. It eventually sold over 10 million copies and received GRAMMY Awards for Album Of The Year and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.

On this day in 1987, Genesis' "In Too Deep" single — from the already very successful "Invisible Touch" album — entered the charts on its way to #3 as Tom Petty's "Jammin' Me" began a rockin' run to #18.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Monday 4/25/16

It was David Packard who said: "More companies die of indigestion than from starvation."

It was Dennis Roth who said: "If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought."

It was George Burns who said: "You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you're down there."

It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal."

April 26, 2016

Keyboardist/singer Gary Wright is 73.

On this day in 1975, Aerosmith's "Toys In The Attic," one of the top hard rock albums of all time, blasted onto the charts on its way to #11.

On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney's "Coming Up" was heading up the singles charts to a three-week stand at #1 as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Here Comes My Girl" was about to peak at #59.

On this day in 1980, Journey's "Any Way You Want It" topped out at #23 on the singles charts as their "Departure" album peaked at #8 with over three million sold.

On this day in 1980, Genesis' "Duke," considered to be the last of the classic Genesis albums, entered the charts on its way to #11.

On this day in 1982, Joe Strummer had a change of heart on his way to a Clash rehearsal at their West London studio. So, instead of practicing with the boys, he went directly to France and disappeared, forcing the band to cancel their tour. When he resurfaced on May 18th, Joe claimed he was suffering from exhaustion and had suddenly doubted his "punk purpose." For some reason, no one else in the band believed him.

On this day in 1984, legendary bandleader Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida at age 79.

On this day in 1986, Van Halen's "5150" album — their first with vocalist Sammy Hagar — hit #1 for the first of three weeks, eventually selling over six million copies.

On this day in 1986, Dire Straits' "So Far Away" peaked at #19 on the singles chart.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Tuesday 4/26/16

New/Old Santana Charts

The first Santana album in 45 years to feature original members Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Michael Shrieve and Michael Carabello, along with Journey guitarist Neal Schon, who was in the band for the third and fourth albums, has debuted at #5 on the Billboard charts. (The last album with this lineup, 1971's "Santana 3," spent five weeks at #1 as the group was imploding.) Santana and Journey are doing a number of dates to celebrate "Santana 4," including an August 28th gig at The Forum in Inglewood.

Malibu Guitar Festival

The four-day Malibu Guitar Festival — led by former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora's band RSO, featuring guitarist Orianthi — rolls this weekend. Other performers rocking at three different venues will include former Wings guitarist Laurence Juber as well as blues masters Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Albert Lee. The Empty Hearts, featuring The Cars' Elliot Easton, Blondie's Clem Burke and Wally Palmar of The Romantics, will also be doing full sets. You'll find more info at the Malibu Guitar Festival website.

Lonnie Mack R.I.P.

Lonnie Mack, the blues-rock pioneer who influenced an entire generation of guitarists including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and more, died of natural causes last Thursday at a medical facility near his home in Smithville, Tennessee. The 74-year-old first scored success with his 1963 "The Wham of That Memphis Man!" album featured his instrumental rendition of Chuck Berry's "Memphis." That song became a surprise Billboard Top Five hit. Rest in piece, Lonnie.

It was Yogi Berra who said: "Half the lies they tell about me aren't true."

It was e. e. cummings who said: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "All would live long, but none would be old."

It was Linda Poindexter who said: "The fastest way to find out if someone is really your friend, is to tell them that you're broke."

April 27, 2016

Badfinger's tragic songwriter Peter Ham would have been 69.
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is 65.

On this day in 1964, John Lennon's book "In His Own Write" was published in America. In its review, "Newsweek" magazine declared that the acerbic Beatle was "an unlikely heir to the English tradition of literary nonsense."

On this day in 1968, Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" began its run up the singles charts to three weeks at #1 and the Record Of The Year and Best Contemporary Pop Performance — Vocal Duo Or Group GRAMMY Awards.

On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Let It Ride" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.

On this day in 2006, Keith Richards injured his head falling out of a tree while on vacation in Fiji. He eventually underwent brain surgery before anyone else (other than his fellow Fiji vacation mate, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood) knew about his misadventure.

It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a person's character, give them power."

It was Charles Chaplin who said: "Moderation to excess is not good for you."

It was jazz great Thelonius Monk who said: "Sometimes it's to your advantage for people to think you're crazy."

It was Goodman Ace who said: "The best cure for hypochondria is to forget about your body and get interested in someone else's."

April 28, 2016

On this day in 1963, crafty publicist Andrew Oldham saw a young band called The Rollin' Stones for the first time at London's Crawdaddy Club. By the next day, he was their manager.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's legendary "Dark Side Of The Moon" album hit #1 for exactly one week. It then set a record by remaining on the charts for a total of 741 weeks (and selling 50+ million worldwide).

On this day in 1973, both The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and the Electric Light Orchestra's "Roll Over Beethoven" briefly entered the singles charts on their way to #42.

On this day in 1979, Cheap Trick's million-selling "I Want You To Want Me" single began its run up to #7 as Van Halen's "Dance The Night Away" entered the charts on its way to #15.

On this day in 1980, 30-year-old guitarist/songwriter Tommy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band died of head injuries sustained in a car crash. Many feel the band never recovered.

On this day in 2015, Jack Ely, the singer who recorded The Kingsmen's classic garage rock song "Louie Louie," died after a lengthy illness at his home in Redmond, Oregon at the age of 71.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Thursday 4/28/16

It was Robert Anthony who said: "Moving fast is not the same as going somewhere."

It was Charles Bukowski who said: "The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubt while the stupid ones are full of confidence."

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "No good deed goes unpunished."

It was Winston Churchill who said: "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

April 29, 2016

Duke Ellington, generally considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century, would have been 116 today.

Tommy James, who recorded the classic "Hanky Panky" before forming The Shondells, is 68. Unfortunately, "Hanky Panky" pretty much ruined Tommy's chances to be considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the vocals for Paul McCartney's song "Eleanor Rigby" — none of the Fab Four played any instruments on the tune. The eight-piece string section recorded the backing tracks the day before.

On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones' "Tumblin' Dice" began its run to #7 on the singles charts just as Neil Young's classic "Old Man" began a leisurely climb to #31.

On this day in 1972, the Allman Brothers Band's million selling "Eat A Peach" double album peaked at #4 on the charts.

On this day in 1976, Elvis Presley fan Bruce Springsteen tried to scale the fence around Graceland in an attempt to meet his idol. Instead, he was quickly escorted off by Presley's security.

On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd, his inspiration for "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight," filed for divorce.

On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" (with former Beatle George Harrison on guitar) began its run to #12 as John Mellencamp's "Pop Singer" began a run to #15. Petty's song was written in reaction to an arsonist attempting to burn down his home. Mellencamp's song came from his mid-career decision that he didn't want to be rich and famous.

On this day in 1993, Mick Ronson, genius guitarist and arranger for David Bowie during his "Ziggy Stardust" phase, died of cancer in England at the age of 47.

The Uncle Joe Show Menu

Friday 4/29/16

AC/DC Refunds

If you were counting on seeing AC/DC's June 4th London Olympic Stadium gig with their longtime singer Brian Johnson instead of Axl Rose, AC/DC will give you a refund on your tickets. Rose is scheduled to perform the rest of the Australian band's shows in European shows (May 7th through June 12th), after which he'll join Guns N' Roses' stadium tour.

Who Cares

The Who, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts are teaming up for a Who Cares About The Next Generation benefit show on May 31st. The Los Angeles gig will raise money for the UCLA Health Autism Treatment Program and Teen Cancer America. There will also be a live auction run by Howie Mandel, who will be joined on stage by Paul Stanley of KISS, comedian David Spade and others.

It was Laurence J. Peter who said: "Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it.

It was C.S. Lewis who said: "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "The purpose of criticism is to correct, improve and change. It is not to humiliate, demean, or punish."

It was Daniel Patrick Moynihan who said: "You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."

April 30, 2016

The multi-talented Willie Nelson is 83 today.

On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan began his British tour immortalized in the movie "Don't Look Back." At the same time, The Kinks began their first British tour, supported by The Yardbirds. Wow! Did anybody realize what was happening over there?!?

On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" entered the singles charts on its way to #8 as Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" made a brief appearance on its way to #68.

On this day in 1983, Styx's "Kilroy Was Here" album hit #3 for the first of two weeks as the band was increasingly at odds behind the scenes.

On this day in 1983, blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at home in Westmont, Illinois at the age of 68.

On this day in 2015, legendary soul singer Ben E. King passed away at the age of 76. After singing lead with The Drifters on "This Magic Moment," "There Goes My Baby" and "Save The Last Dance For Me," Ben went solo at the age of 20, and hit the U.S. Top 5 with "Stand By Me" in 1961. That song went on to become the fourth most-played song of the 20th century.